01Do not wait after the event
Marks you cannot see on the night, like a splash of sugary drink, sweat or body oil, slowly turn yellow or brown in storage. The sooner a dress is cleaned, the more easily those marks come out. Aim for the first week or two, not the first anniversary.
02Before it goes to the cleaner
- Check the hem, which picks up dust, sand and floor marks
- Look for food, drink, make-up, henna and lipstick, and tell the cleaner what each one is
- Note any loose beads, sequins or lace, so they can be looked after during cleaning
- Do not rub at marks or try a home stain remover on silk, satin, tulle or beading
03Why these pieces need a professional
Wedding dresses and evening gowns mix many things: silk or satin, layers of tulle, linings, boning, glued or sewn beads and embroidery. Each needs its own care, and water or rubbing can leave rings, flatten tulle or loosen beading. Always read the care label, and leave anything beaded or labelled dry clean only to a dry cleaner.
04Storing it in Dubai
- Store it clean; old marks keep darkening even in a box
- Use a breathable cotton bag or acid-free tissue and box, not a plastic cover, which traps damp and can yellow fabric
- Keep it in a cool, dark cupboard inside the home, not a hot store room, garage or car
- Fold heavy gowns with tissue in the folds rather than hanging them, so the weight does not stretch the shoulders
05Evening dresses you wear more often
A simple evening dress worn a few times a season can be cleaned after each wear, or when it has a mark. Hang it to air for a day after wearing, away from perfume and bakhoor, and keep it in a cotton cover, not the plastic from the shop.
06Or hand it to us
Give it to our driver and tell us about any marks and loose beads. We check the care label and clean it the way the label allows, and if it is not right, we clean it again for free. A wedding dress or beaded gown is from AED 250 and a basic dress AED 40.